My organised self..

I'm an organising junkie, I'll confess it. In fact, I'm really not happy (or functional) without my organisational system. I'll explain why..

Part of my PND profile was being completely overwelmed by any decision I had to make for myself. I literally wouldn't get dressed if I had to make a choice about what to wear, wouldn't cook if I had to decide what to cook etc...well you get the idea. I was completely non-functioning. I tried many different ideas to get me moving and at least having a little success throughout the day, lists (which stressed me out beyond belief!), lucky dip jars, text prompts, alarms - you name it, I did it!

Then I stumbled upon the idea of a homemaker's folder. Now, the idea of a homemaker is wonderful but the terminology just didn't sit well with the feminist in me. So mine became my Family folder. I found this blog post by one of my favourite bloggers  Clean Mama - it details how to set up such a binder. Being in my "I can't make a single decision mindset", I copied her binder as closely as I could. I purchased her printables and printed away to my hearts content. 

What I discovered was this.. I could arrange the folder so that I could only see one day's activities at a time. This helped me not to become completely overwelmed with what I had to accomplish that day/week/month/year/decade...yes, I struggled with breaking things down into smaller, achievable amounts.

I started with the cleaning system,and once that was working for me I started meal planning..what a revelation!! Not only was I saving money by only buying what I needed to cook with (reducing waste), but for 30 minutes anxiety I no longer needed to make any decisions regarding food for the rest of the week. And as time went on, I could recycle previous meal planners so that I didn't have to think about it at all!!! Wooohooo!!

Now these day's I'm in a much better headspace. Lists no longer freak me out, and I can make decisions, set time frames and feel successful. But my family folder lives on, and as I discover more things I want in it, it grows and grows. I LOVE Clean Mama for forever changing my life for the better!

Biscous

xx

The difference a year makes..

I am absolutely blown away by the difference a year makes. I am referring to me here, but it goes without saying, that it makes a huge difference in my Monkey too!

This time last year, I was not at all well, despite thinking that I was incredibly well - if that makes any sense. I was in the process of weaning off my anti-depressants and very unhappy with how I looked, and where I lived. Venlafaxine is an awesome drug for PND, but it has some very unpleasant side effects. Namely blowing me up like a life size balloon, gunking up my liver with all sorts of substances and clouding my brain.

Fast forward a year, I love where I live! I have the most gorgeous view to wake up to everyday,and a sensational path to run/walk to my hearts content! I have lost 24kg and although I'm only about halfway on my journey, I am stoked with my growing confidence and fitness levels.

I really do live in the most gorgeous corner of the world!!

Stormy day comfort

I don't know about you, but I personally love a good storm! It makes me want to snuggle down and create a comforting safe place from what is happening outside..and thus my inspiration for tonight's dinner was born.

I have linked to this recipe before, but seriously, if you haven't tried it, then you need to!

http://www.healthyfood.co.nz/recipes/2006/november/tagliatelle-with-baby-spinach-and-bacon 

I ventured out for a jaunt around the estuary this morning, luckily I got out and back before the storm hit!

xxx

Back on the healthy eating bandwagon..

Yesterday, I sat down and looked through my meal planner, and was horrified!! Out of the 11 days of November, we had (and I'm a little ashamed to admit it) eaten 5 takeaway meals out of 11!!! My stomach churned at the thought. And so began much healthy meal planning, and a subsequent grocery shop!

Tonights meal consisted of:


Apple Slaw:

1 quarter of a cabbage, finely shredded
2 carrots, grated with the skin on
1 red apple
1 half a cup of sultanas
1 half a cup of chopped walnuts
Combined with 3 tablespoons of quality mayo.


Tuna Patties:

1 large tin of tuna in springwater
1 small tin of tuna (sundried tomato and basil flavour)
2 carrots grated with skin on
3 courgettes grated with skin on
1 clove of garlic, crushed
1 half teaspoon of garlic and herb seasoning
1 tablespoon of oyster sauce
2 tablespoons of japanese style soy sauce
1 egg
1 teaspoon of baking powder
1 cup of flour

Mix until well combined. Add spoonfuls to a nonstick frypan  and cook for 4 mins on either side. 
We had ours with a side of wedges, baked in the oven. Yummo!


Whew! Actually it was a really quick dinner to make, and my family certainly scoffed it down. Day one of healthy eating accomplished. Now bring on tomorrow! Who wants to join me??

xx
Biscous

Determination..

My bad, I know, it's been a terribly long time since I last posted in the bloggy world. Much has changed. I found a job, Monkey started daycare - and LOVES it. I lost my job, and now have the choice of two schools for next year.

My weight loss journey continues, and I am down 24kg! 

So, thus begins my bloggy rebirth.

I hope you find something here for you.. I hope I'm up for the challenge!

xxx

Breathe....just breathe...

And this is my mantra of the day. Today has been a roller coaster of a ride, and if it is okay with you, I just need to offload a little...

My registration has arrived, so the inevitable has had to happen..today I enrolled my Monkey into childcare. I feel so sad, which I suppose is to be expected a little bit. He is my first born, my little preemie boy, and I haven't gone a day without him by my side. I don't know how I'm going to cope leaving him there when the time comes. (Thankfully, the centre is understanding of a very anxious PND Mama like myself and lets us have a weaning period for however long we need). B.R.E.A.T.H.E

I have been applying for jobs and getting my name out there for relieving in the meantime. But it has been the holidays here in little ol' NZ, so responses have been slow forthcoming. Hubby is also anxious as his job is coming to a close, so my anxiety continues to climb..B.R.E.A.T.H.E

I have no idea how the weight loss is going as everything has been buried in the overwelming need to get me into employment. 

If you are a praying person reading this, spare my petite family a thought next time you are in your quiet place...I think we need all the help we can get!!

Happy extra hour of sleep everyone!

Day light savings has been and gone and we are now officially on the countdown to the shortest day of the year...after Easter of course! My monkey has transitioned really well (thanks to being ill with a virus) - Saturday night he dropped 14 hours worth of sleep (wooohoooo!), and a good 12 hours last night. It really bites that he isn't well, but I am very grateful for smooth transitions!

I'm making progress on the weight loss front - almost 10kg down. I've dropped a good dress size, and my pants are actually doing up. The most pleasing (for me anyway) side effect is my post c-section apron is lifting!! I can actually see the scar now (apologies if that is TMI). My legs are slimming down, and I can even see a little bit in my face. Long may it continue. By spring I hope to be under 100kg. Lets see what I can accomplish!

The is a lot happening in our little corner of the world at the moment. We sold our house in Hamilton (which was causing a lot of financial worries), hubby has enrolled in study, and I have re-applied for my teaching registration. To be brutally honest, that scares the living snot out of me. I have always vowed that I wouldn't have someone else looking after and raising my son - I know others do it, but I just don't feel comfortable with it. So filling out the necessary paperwork was enough to make me leak at the seams. But it is done, and I'm only committing to a day a week at this stage, possibly two. Help me talk myself into this :s.

Easter preparation is coming along..buns made yesterday, and looking forward to going Easter egg shopping for my monkey once the magic money appears in my account! I hope my willpower will withstand the indulgence of Easter.

Biscous xxxx

2lb down!

Happy Hump day everyone! I am excited to share that I am 2lb down and almost fitting my largest sized clothing correctly again! Progress! I have re-introduced myself to my gym and loving being active again. I have ditched myfitnesspal in favour of my new favourite app - Loseit. Can't speak highly enough of it - those 2lb have been excommunicated from my body never to return again!


Dinner for tonight was this gem...


http://www.healthyfood.co.nz/recipes/2006/november/tagliatelle-with-baby-spinach-and-bacon


Can't recommend you giving it a go high enough. Anyone say scrum-didly-umptious?!!

2012 - the Year of the Dragon...my year!!

Here we go again...I am now committing myself to sharing my weight loss and fitness journey with you all! Along with the usual tidbits and wonderful moments that occur along the way.


Today was the first day of the rest of my life! Oh lordy I can't believe I'm going to share this, but in the name of accountability etc I kinda must.... we had the first round of initial testing before beginning the mission of 45kg of weight loss. Today the scales read 119kg exactly. I really hope that this is the last time I will see that number!!!


I'm almost off my PND medications and hopefully that will only aid my efforts. First session with my fitness consultant tomorrow, I'm actually really looking forward to it!


Now to go and find my ticker so you can keep me accountable!